A champion Paralympian from the Czech Republic is in serious condition after he and another athlete collided during a race on Sunday, according to a Greenville Health System spokesman.Images from Para-cycling Road World ChampionshipsJiri Jezek, 39, crashed less than 200 meters from the finish line during the 2014 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships in Greenville.Jezek suffered a serious chest injury requiring surgery on Sunday afternoon, GHS spokesman Dudley Brown said. He was taken to GHS Greenville Memorial Hospital Sunday afternoon, where he underwent surgery.On Monday, Jezek was listed in serious but stable condition. He is no longer on a ventilator, Brown said.“He’s alert and talking,” said Louis Barbeau, UCI technical delegate. “There’s nothing to suggest he won’t fully recover. He’s one of the most experienced para-cyclists in the world. He’s participated in four Paralympic games and medaled each time.”Jezek lost his right leg below the knee in a car accident when he was 11. By the age of 20, he had taken up competitive cycling as a hobby.Jezek is scheduled to have surgery Tuesday on his arm. It’s not certain when he’ll return home or to cycling.“Athletes are of a different breed. Because of their conditions and training ability, they often recuperate faster than many people,” Barbeau said.

GREENVILLE, S.C. —

A champion Paralympian from the Czech Republic is in serious condition after he and another athlete collided during a race on Sunday, according to a Greenville Health System spokesman.

On Monday, Jezek was listed in serious but stable condition. He is no longer on a ventilator, Brown said.

“He’s alert and talking,” said Louis Barbeau, UCI technical delegate. “There’s nothing to suggest he won’t fully recover. He’s one of the most experienced para-cyclists in the world. He’s participated in four Paralympic games and medaled each time.”

Jezek lost his right leg below the knee in a car accident when he was 11. By the age of 20, he had taken up competitive cycling as a hobby.

Jezek is scheduled to have surgery Tuesday on his arm. It’s not certain when he’ll return home or to cycling.

“Athletes are of a different breed. Because of their conditions and training ability, they often recuperate faster than many people,” Barbeau said.